Banal told The STAR last night that San Miguel Corporation management has given him the green light to accept the coaching job offered Monday night by fellow San Beda alumnus and team manager Mukesh Advani.
"It’s a big challenge for me because it’s the first time I will serve my alma mater," said Banal.
Banal was responsible for steering the Far Eastern U to the 2003 UAAP title and the 2004 PBL Open Championship crown but whose tenure wasn’t extended by the Tamaraws despite his accomplishments.
"It was a blessing in disguise because at least I was given time to spend it with my kids and family," said Banal, the current coach of Magnolia Ice Cream in the PBL and one of Ryan Gregorio’s assistants at Purefoods Hotdogs.
But Banal, Advani’s batch mate in San Beda high school in 1979 and college in 1983, will be hard-pressed in turning things around for the embattled Red Lions’ bid for Final Four hopes.
San Beda is currently tied with Jose Rizal at the bottom of the team standings with a poor 1-6 (win-loss) slate despite a massive pre-season build-up that included a PBL stint early this year.
Aside from Banal, another alumnus Robert Sison, who also copped a title in the PBL and steered the Negros Slashers to a pair of runner-up finishes in the defunct MBA, was also considered for the job.
San Beda athletic moderator Ato Badolato will announce Banal’s appointment today.